Laurel quadruple homicide suspect makes first court appearance Wednesday

LAUREL, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska quadruple homicide suspect will make is first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

42-year-old Jason Jones, of Laurel, is accused of shooting four victims before setting their homes on fire in the early morning hours of Aug. 4. All of the deaths took place on Elm Street in Laurel.

The NSP identified the victims as 86-year-old Gene Twiford, 85-year-old Janet Twiford, 55-year-old Dana Twiford, as well as 53-year-old Michele Ebeling. The Twifords all lived in 503 Elm Street, which was the site of the second fire reported. Ebeling was found dead at her home at 209 Elm Street, which is where the first fire was located. Jones also lives on Elm Street.

Jones had been hospitalized since being apprehended by authorities on Aug. 5. Authorities said Jones was found with severe burn injuries while they were serving a warrant at his home in Laurel. Jones was discharged Oct. 26 and transported to a Nebraska Department of Corrections facility in Lincoln.

Jones is slated to appear via videoconference at his arraignment in Cedar County Court on Wednesday. He faces a total of 10 felony counts, including four charges of first-degree murder.